Lesley Magnay: East African Trading Company

Lesley Magnay: East African Trading Company

I have lived in Uganda for more than 30 years, originally working for the British Council, then re-training as a swimming teacher. Three children later and a with a husband who constantly travels with his work as an agriculturalist, I realised I had some new lifestyle decisions to make.

The idea for East African Trading Company came from a chance encounter with a crude bowl made from Ankole Cattle Horn. I realised what a wonderful sustainable material this was, being a bi-product of the beef industry and normally burnt as waste.

Working directly with a local family run business, and a team of talented artisans, we have designed and produced this amazing range of accessories – straight from the Equator to your home.

This is more than just a small lifestyle business for me. This is about supporting local Ugandan businesses. My packaging is made by a small company on the Entebbe Road employing predominately women, my wooden boxes are made by someone I have known since he was a small boy, and I have also helped my Ugandan partners realise a dream of purchasing land for their new workshop.

I love what I do, so I thank you for your interest in these truly ethical and individual products and hope that you will now enjoy the beauty of the Inyambo – the cow with the long, long horns.